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Deafblind Awareness Week runs from June 25 to July 1, 2026, honoring Helen Keller’s birthday on June 27. This annual observance raises vital awareness for the millions worldwide living with combined vision and hearing loss. Learn about the challenges faced by the deafblind community, advocate for accessibility, and discover ways to make the world more inclusive.
Want to sponsor Deafblind Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected Deafblind Awareness Week Deals
Deafblind Awareness Week focuses on advocacy and support. Organizations like the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) typically lead awareness campaigns and fundraising drives. Expect donation matching programs from corporate partners and opportunities to purchase branded merchandise that supports deafblind services. Local community centers may also host educational events. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as June 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for Deafblind Awareness Week
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DeafblindAwarenessWeek. Share stories and resources to foster community understanding.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #DeafblindAwarenessWeek. Amplify important facts and advocate for accessibility initiatives.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #DeafblindAwarenessWeek. Discuss workplace inclusion and professional development for deafblind individuals.
Deafblind Awareness Week Hero
Helen Keller
History of Deafblind Awareness Week
On June 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the last week beginning June 24, as “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week,” commemorating American author and educator Helen Keller’s birthday. The week raises public awareness of the difficulties caused by deafblindness and highlights the potential contributions that deafblind people make to society. The latter is best achieved by fostering independence and creating employment opportunities, as well as measures to cure and prevent deafblindness.
Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She lost both her sight and hearing at 19 months old due to an illness. On March 3, 1887, she started learning to communicate through fingerspelling with her teacher and lifelong and devoted companion, and teacher Anne Sullivan. In 1896, Keller attended the Cambridge School for Young Ladies. When her story became known, she began to meet influential people like Mark Twain, and they became friends. Twain introduced her to his friend Henry Huttleston Rogers who was so impressed with Keller’s talent and determination that he agreed to pay for her to attend Radcliffe College. Keller had mastered several methods of communication by this time, including touch-lip reading, Braille, speech, typing, and fingerspelling. In 1904, at 24, Keller graduated from Radcliffe College cum laude. She later became a well-known personality and lecturer, sharing her experiences with audiences and working on behalf of other people living with disabilities. In 1924, she became a member of the American Federation for the Blind and took part in numerous campaigns to raise awareness, money, and support for blind people.
Helen Keller is an example of how persistence and hard work can overcome adversity. Her accomplishments symbolize hope and courage for deafblind people. Keller suffered a series of strokes in 1961 and died in her sleep on June 1, 1968.
Deafblind Awareness Week timeline
Helen Adams Keller is born on June 27, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, U.S.
In March, Keller starts learning to communicate through fingerspelling with her teacher Anne Sullivan.
Keller graduates from Radcliffe College cum laude.
Keller’s first book, “The Story of My Life” is published.
On June 22, President Ronald Reagan proclaims the last week beginning June 24, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Deafblind Awareness Week
Local businesses can honor Deafblind Awareness Week by auditing their premises and websites for accessibility. Consider implementing tactile signage, providing staff training on communication with deafblind individuals, or offering accessible formats for information. Restaurants might offer menus in large print or braille, while retailers could ensure clear pathways and well-lit displays. Partner with local deafblind organizations for educational workshops or donate a portion of sales to support their vital services.
Deafblind Awareness Week FAQs
When is Deafblind Awareness Week?
Deafblind Awareness Week 2026 runs from Thursday, June 25, through Wednesday, July 1, honoring Helen Keller’s birthday on June 27. It’s a crucial time to spotlight the deafblind community.
How many people are estimated to be deafblind worldwide?
Globally, it’s estimated that over 15 million people live with severe deafblindness. This figure highlights the significant population that benefits from increased awareness and support.
Why is Helen Keller's birthday significant during Deafblind Awareness Week?
Helen Keller’s birthday on June 27 serves as the anchor for Deafblind Awareness Week, honoring her profound legacy as an advocate for people with disabilities. Her life story inspires perseverance and highlights the potential of deafblind individuals.
What does the term 'deafblindness' mean?
Deafblindness refers to a unique combination of both visual and auditory impairments, which can significantly impact communication, access to information, and mobility. It’s a distinct disability, not merely the sum of being deaf and blind.
How to Observe Deafblind Awareness Week
Spread the word
It is estimated that many people in the world are living with severe deafblindness. Help spread awareness of the condition and take measures to make the world more deafblind-friendly.
Educate yourself
Learn how to interact with a deafblind person. For example, when you first meet a deafblind person, let them know about your presence by them tapping gently on their shoulder or arm.
Read books by Helen Keller
Keller published 12 books and several articles. If you have never read one of her works, it’s the best time to start reading “The Story of My Life.” You’ll surely get new insights.
5 Interesting Facts About Helen Keller
Her relatives felt she should be institutionalized
When Keller was about seven, she would kick and scream when angry and giggle uncontrollably when happy.
Keller’s first word was ‘water’
Sullivan taught Keller the word ‘water’ by putting water on Keller’s hand and spelling out w-a-t-e-r on Keller’s other hand, and Keller understood and then repeated the word on Sullivan’s hand.
She experienced public prejudice against her disabilities
After expressing her socialist views, the "Brooklyn Eagle" news editor wrote that her “mistakes sprung out of the manifest limitations of her development.”
Keller traveled to 35 countries
Being appointed counselor of international relations for the American Foundation of Overseas Blind, Keller traveled to 35 countries on five continents between 1946 and 1957.
Her autobiography inspired a television drama
“The Miracle Worker,” a television drama, was based on Keller’s “The Story of My Life.”
Why Deafblind Awareness Week is Important
She is an inspirational person
Keller published 12 books, received numerous honors and honorary doctoral degrees, and was appointed counselor of international relations for a foundation. Those achievements are more than enough to inspire people to work hard and be determined to succeed in life.
It reminds us to raise awareness
Some of us probably just found out about Deafblind Awareness Week. Together, after we raise awareness of deafblindness, we can work hard to make the world more deafblind-friendly for our deafblind family and friends.
It’s a chance to learn more
Deafblind people use different ways to communicate, such as tactile sign language, tactile fingerspelling, print on palm, tadoma, and Braille. This week is a chance to learn more about these ways of communication.
Deafblind Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 25–July 1 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2027 | June 24–30 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2028 | June 22–28 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2029 | June 21–27 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2030 | June 27–July 3 | Thursday–Wednesday |
Social Media Tips for Deafblind Awareness Week
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